Live Wide Open : Martin Sexton : Review : Rolling Stone

Longtime fans of Martin Sexton know that the multitalented troubadour is an unflinchingly captivating and accomplished live performer. That's what makes his latest recording, Live Wide Open, a welcome addition to his catalog of previous albums, which at times seemed like they were struggling to transcend studio confinements, never fully showcasing Sexton's lithe energy. Freed from big-label incarceration, Sexton releases this double-CD set on his own Kitchen Table Records. A veritable live "best of," it shines most brightly on finely honed classics such as the jazzy "13-Step Boogie," the dirty "Gypsy Woman" and the folkier heartfelt numbers, like "In the Journey" and the intoxicating "Can't Stop Thinking About You," which holds you close and leads you through its opium-den tango. Sexton's stage show alone can provide more variety than your FM dial-his voice goes from winged falsettos to bluesy lows while his fingers gracefully pirouette on an acoustic guitar or athletically back flip on an electric. So have your Bic lighter handy, because this bird is finally free.

ROBIN AIGNER
(April 16, 2002)